Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has weighed in on how best to utilise the qualities of Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo after his starring role against Chad.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has showered praise on Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo while sharing how to best utilise his skills.
McCarthy watched as Odhiambo put in a great shift on Tuesday when his team beat Chad 2-1 in an international friendly match, dictating play and creating chances for his team-mates.
Odhiambo started from the bench when Kenya drew 0-0 with Chad on Saturday but after impressing, he was handed a start on Tuesday and it was a wise decision as he impressed in the No.10 role just behind the striker Emmanuel Osoro, playing a hand in both goals, while some chances were not utilised.
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Harambee Stars Heroes Emmanuel Osoro and David Sakwa Share What Benni McCarthy Is ‘Cooking’ For Kenyans
Emmanuel Osoro and David Sakwa, who scored for Harambee Stars in their win over Chad, have been left delighted with what coach Benni McCarthy is building.
McCarthy is in awe of the K’Ogalo playmaker and feels he should always be played behind the striker as being deployed in a deeper midfield role stifles his talents.
McCarthy Lauds Austin Odhiambo’s Talents
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“Austin playing in the No.10 role instead of dropping deeper to collect the ball from midfield because, yes he is very good on the ball, but he is more dangerous when he is higher up the pitch in the final third,” McCarthy explained how to get the best out of the midfielder.
“So, he did that and got us playing and obviously nice ball to Osoro who then became the provider and also another fantastic ball across the pitch and I think it was [David] Sakwa who then put the ball in the back of the net,” the Harambee Stars coach added of the impact of Odhiambo on Tuesday’s game.
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Odhiambo has been a crucial player for Gor Mahia in the last three seasons, creating lots of chances for his team-mates while also scoring goals, as K’Ogalo won the league in 2022-23 and 2023-24 and was voted Player of the Year last season.
However, he was constantly overlooked by former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat seems to be finding favour with McCarthy, who will likely rely heavily on him during the 2024 African Nations Championships that kicks off on August 2 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.